In the United States, the main challenge is the “ick factor” associated with jellyfish, which is commonly described as “slimy and tasteless.” However, several trends are favoring jellyfish as a snack option. The rising demand for healthier snacks, along with a more globalized and sophisticated food market and environmentally conscious consumers, are creating opportunities for jellyfish products. Rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron, jellyfish is low in calories, making jellyfish chips a great alternative to traditional potato chips. The individual snacking category reached a staggering $33 billion in 2017, with products that boast health benefits driving significant sales growth.
Additionally, Pew Research indicates that the Asian population in the U.S. grew by 72% from 2000 to 2015, increasing from 11.9 million to 20.4 million, marking the fastest growth rate among major racial and ethnic groups. This demographic shift could pave the way for more Asian foods entering the domestic market. Furthermore, promoting jellyfish as a mainstream snack could also have positive environmental impacts, especially considering the current oversupply issue. Jellyfish blooms threaten fish stocks, presenting challenges for seafood companies. Incorporating jellyfish into diets not only provides essential nutrients, such as calcium citrate strength, but could also help mitigate the ecological imbalance caused by jellyfish overpopulation. Thus, the introduction of jellyfish snacks could serve dual purposes: enhancing consumer health and supporting environmental sustainability.